“Actors?” Mother said. “Who are they to play, exactly?”

“Well, you and Uncle Basil and Delilah—”

Delilah emitted an odd sort of strangling sound. “And then I had to replace all the servants because of the secrecy involved, of course—”

“Of course,” Mother said.

“But the troupe was not large enough to replace everyone, so we have a much smaller staff than usual. But they’re very well trained as servants, that is,” she added quickly. “Unfortunately, they are not quite as skilled as actors.”

“But they are good servants?” Mother asked. Camille nodded. “Apparently, they were all in service until they decided they would rather be on the stage.” She lowered her voice in a confidential manner. “Indeed, I’m not sure most of them didn’t make the wrong decision. Why, Mrs. Fortesque is excellent in the role of cook. I am trying to keep her. Wait until you taste her scones.”

“Oh, I do love a good scone.”

“Mother!” Delilah glared.

“I suppose that is beside the point.” Mother waved off her comment. “I’m assuming you did not fire my servants.”

“I would never do such a thing!” Camille dismissed that suggestion. “I sent them on holiday, with an appropriate Christmas bonus.”

“I see,” Mother said thoughtfully.

“Get them back!” Delilah snapped. “Send for them all at once. And get rid of these . . . these actors!”

“That would be extremely difficult,” Camille said sharply. “One doesn’t stop a play at intermission.”

Her mother glanced at Delilah. “It’s not at all in the spirit of the theater, dear.”

“But you can’t let this go on!”

“I can do whatever I please.” Mother met Camille’s gaze. “And what part do you propose we play?”

Camille stared.

“Come now, darling, you needn’t look at me like that.” Mother smiled. “I think this is brilliant.”

“You do?” Camille said.

“Dreadfully expensive, of course, but quite clever.”

Delilah gasped. “Mother!”

“You needn’t look so shocked, Delilah. Goodness, your sister is only doing what she felt she needed to do to marry this prince of hers. I should rather like to have a prince in the family. I commend her ingenuity.”

“Then you’re not angry?” Camille said slowly.

“My dear child, one does what one has to do. Indeed, I am delighted with your cleverness and quite look forward to lending you my assistance in whatever manner you need.” Mother grinned. “Now, Camille, what parts shall we play? I acted a bit myself as a girl, you know, in plays at school. I don’t mind telling you, I was quite good at it.”

Delilah stared. “You’re not seriously going to allow this charade to continue?”

“Oh, but I am.” Mother directed a hard look at her youngest daughter. “As are you. And you shall do so graciously, if not with enthusiasm. If this is what your sister needs to extract a proposal from her prince, you shall do whatever is necessary to help her.”